Whether it’s at a borrel after work or on a sunny terrace with lunch, the Dutch know how to enjoy a refreshing glass of beer. So, while you’re in the country’s capital, you may as well soak in this part of Dutch culture and have the heartiest beer possible by visiting some of the best breweries in Amsterdam.
Best Amsterdam breweries
Ready for a cold one? Here are some spots that serve the best beer in Amsterdam.
Brouwerij ‘t IJ
Enjoy your biertje in a beer garden with a view of the tallest wooden windmill in the Netherlands at Brouwerij ‘t IJ. Specialising in blonde and dark beers, the windmill brewery in Amsterdam prepares its own beers on-site while also offering guided tours and tasting sessions. Creating quality beers since 1985, this brewery is known for its most popular craft beer, the IJwit, so make sure to grab a glass while you’re there!
Bierbrouwerij de Prael
Located in the city centre, Bierbrouwerij de Prael is a quick walk away from the train station, making for an easy trip back home after a few drinks. With over a dozen types of beer on offer, including non-alcoholic options, everyone can enjoy the taste of a chilled brew at this microbrewery in Amsterdam.
Oedipus
Colourful labels and experimental creations make Oedipus Brewery one of the best craft breweries in Amsterdam. The taproom of the brewery is being moved to a new location and is expected to open as the Oedipus Craft Space in the summer of 2024.
Poesiat & Kater
Poesiat & Kater offers an extensive food menu alongside a broad range of beer, local spirits and cocktails. The Amsterdam brewery also offers beer tastings that you can enjoy with your friends during a tasty lunch outside when the weather is good.
Brouwerij Troost
With three brewpubs scattered throughout Amsterdam, two of which have their own breweries, Brouwerij Troost makes award-winning beers and sodas, as well as gin and jenever from by-products of their brewing process. Drinks aren’t the only draw to this popular spot, the brewpub in De Pijp also hosts a monthly pub quiz in English where lucky winners get their drinks for free!
Heineken Experience
Heineken is the best-known Dutch beer in the world and with the Heineken Experience Amsterdam visitors can enjoy a tour of the Heineken brewery followed by a taste of some of their finest craft beers paired with Dutch snacks.
Image credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock.com
Bierfabriek
If you’re looking for a brewery with good food and beer, Bierfabriek Amsterdam has you covered. Their slow-roasted chicken makes the perfect pairing with their house-brewed beer, and the easygoing atmosphere will have you comfortably sitting there throughout the evening.
De Bekeerde Suster
This Amsterdam brewery is located in the same spot where a monastery with a rich tradition in beer brewing stood in the Middle Ages. The craft beer from De Bekeerde Suster is steeped in history and flavour, keeping the tradition of the nuns’ brews alive.
Gebrouwen door Vrouwen
A brewery and beer bar in Amsterdam with a cosy setting and chilled vibe, Gebrouwen door Vrouwen hosts parties, beer tastings and pub quizzes with some of the most interesting beers in the city. Founded by two sisters who like experimenting with new beer creations, there are a variety of brews with names like GoGo Grapefruit and Bloesem Blond filled with unique flavours for those who want beer with a twist.
Tasting rooms for craft beer Amsterdam
If you want to taste beer from more than one craft brewery, Amsterdam has a variety of spots to choose from. Here are some of the best craft beer tasting rooms in the Dutch capital.
Proeflokaal Arendsnest
Proeflokaal Arendsnest only serves craft beer from the Netherlands and has 50 different beers on tap and more than 100 bottled beers. This bar also offers beer tastings where you can sip on the best Dutch craft beers and learn about the breweries they come from.
Bierproeflokaal In De Wildeman
Located in a historic building that was once a distillery, In De Wildeman has a unique beer tasting room where beer knowledge is combined with Amsterdam humour and hospitality. Not only do they serve beer from some of the best breweries in the Netherlands, but also from Belgium, the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany. In De Wildeman is also known for amazing events such as Dutch Beer Week.
BeerTemple
Have a taste of American beer culture at the BeerTemple in Amsterdam, with over 50 beers on tap and around 200 beers in bottles and cans. From Anchor and Rogue from the United States to Uiltje and Morebeer from the Netherlands, there are a lot of breweries that beer connoisseurs can choose from.
Beer tours in Amsterdam
On the search for the best brewery in Amsterdam? Try a beer tour and discover many brewhouses in one day!
Brew Bus Amsterdam
Hop on a bus with a group of friends and take a ride to various Amsterdam breweries where you’ll get a short introduction and have a beer tasting at each one. Brew Bus Amsterdam is a great way to try a variety of beers around the city without worrying about driving!
Morebeer Tour
The Morebeer Tour is a journey to visit four bars in Amsterdam whenever you want. If you visit all the bars in one day, you get a free t-shirt! The bars on the route include Proeflokaal Arendsnest, BeerTemple, Mikkeller at Morebeer and Craft & Draft.
Enjoy a lekker Dutch beer in Amsterdam
From breweries to bars, there are many spots for a refreshing biertje in Amsterdam. Enjoy trying them out and remember to drink responsibly!